Anxious, constantly fretting what's the cure?

[SandyBeyatch]

Hi everyone, I am new to this board, so hope I'm not going to put anything in the wrong place. As background, I have always been an over-thinker, dissecting conversations and interactions, and I have been able to cope with them. I worry about people and what they think of me. Not fussed about germs or anything like that, just people and whether they are going to tell me off or not. I am 50, postmenopausal (on HRT patches though), and also a newly qualified primary school teacher. I regularly feel overwhelmed with my new job (not unusual in teaching) but it is really getting me down. I overthink everything and constantly worry about how I'm doing and whether I am doing something wrong. A friend has told me I should stop overthinking things, and to try to be more in the moment, but that's easier said than done! I don't want to really go down the route of medication, but if that's the best option, I'll take what I've got.
Any suggestions?

Your friend is right. Have you tried classical music, if it helps? Here's a channel from Switzerland's radio: www.radioswissclassic.ch/fr Click in the bottom left corner, there's the sound control.

Your friend is onto something there, re being in the moment.

Yoga and Mindfulness are key to managing stress, anxiety and awareness of self. They teach you how to love yourself and set your expectations realistically. I think you may be too hard on yourself speaking from personal experience of being too critical of me

Thanks both (have namechanged since OP) I do try to be in the moment, especially when i need to get to sleep, and am currently trying to relax my mind my reading Georgette Heyer novels, as they are complex but non-challenging. I think yoga and classical music would be better, but the books are easier at the moment.
My HRT patches are helping, but I wish I could just chill the heck out!

Have you tried Rescue Remedy? It has a calming effect and very suitable for anxiety when you don't want to use medication.

Have you got a pet, they are wonderful for cuddles and affection!

Thanks all. I couldn't sleep last night because of anxiety and worry so feel I may need something more. I wish I could just make my mind stop, but it is constantly churning and it's driving me demented.